How can I remove broken plastic from mains outlet on laptop?

The_Bargain_Hunters

Hi
Not long after getting our Laptop (HP G5000) my DD triped over the wire and the bit that plugs into laptop from AC adaptor broke off inside the socket, it was not a big problem as it still worked ok as long as you inserted correctly.
2 years on the battery now only lasts long enough to start up and the AC adaptor now makes a buzzing noise and the other day got very hot 2 mins after switching on.

We unplugged it and were about to order a new one when we remembered the broken plastic is still inside- so a new lead will not work!

After spending several hours last night we could not remove it - it seems lose and even moves around if poke with a pin - but no matter what it won't come out!
I did try take the back off the laptop but got so far then 4 screws inside (battery compartment) were so tight i could not unscrew with the screwdriver i had, even then i am not sure if i can access the problem with cover off.

I dare not plug in the cable as it got hot so quickly before but now we can't acces anything on laptop!

Any ideas anyone?

macman

You shouldn't have been using it like that-the socket was damaged when you tripped over it and now it sounds like the power supply is shorting out. It will need dismantling and probably the power socket will need replacing and resoldering to the motherboard. Probably about £100 up.
You may also need a new power supply if it has been damaged.

The_Bargain_Hunters

The bit i am talking about is the yellow plastic that is inside the bit that plugs in [IMG]file:///C:/Users/THEHUN%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]
the end of it is inside the socket in laptop, but only the very end!

macman

Your link doesn't work, but yes, it's the plastic insulator that stops the power supply shorting out. If it can't be got at from outside then the laptop needs stripping down to get at the power pin-which may or may not need replacing. The pin is not the issue (it costs a few pence) it's getting to it. So the cost is about the same.

You wil also need a new power supply.
PS: it's mandatory.

Taffybiker

Since the connector will be useless anyway, it may be worth trying a ham-fisted approach. How about heating up a suitable pair of tweezers and see if it can be "melted" out? It's a last resort type method though.

The_Bargain_Hunters

Hmmm...
and the battery needs repacing as well as the AC adaptor, so ontop of repair it would be better to look for a new one!
Problem is there is so much stuff on laptop (mainly DD's) so no idea how to get stuff off it! ( wonder if it is worth risking plugging in again?)
I have seen ads for rental type packages to do with mobiles - but not sure about this - do they replace like a mobile after a year or two?

Taffybiker

If you decide to change your laptop, you could buy a USB laptop drive caddy and fit the old drive into it. Hey Presto, one external hard drive complete with files.

totalsolutions

Re #5 Try heating up a pin / small nail / hat pin rather than tweezers push red hot pin into plastic and leave to cool and remove.

The_Bargain_Hunters

Update!

Thanks every one (especially Taffybiker and totalsolutions):T
I finally got it out by heating up a safetypin!

Phew! I don't to have to buy a new laptop now!!!:j

andy2004

NO, but you will need a new Power Supply Unit, to charge the battery up, you should be able to get a universal one for around £20, depending on how much power it needs, make sure to read the power requirements usually on the underside of the laptop, on the silver paper

The_Bargain_Hunters

Yes- I have ordered one alreadygot one on e bay for £8.00ish with all requirements (size, power etc) - fingers crossed!